Mohs surgery typically involves the precise removal of 1 to 3 layers of tissue, although the exact number of layers removed can vary depending on the extent and characteristics of the skin cancer.
Understanding the Mohs Surgery Process
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized and effective procedure for treating common types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Its primary advantage lies in its meticulous, layer-by-layer approach, which allows for the complete removal of cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy surrounding skin as possible.
The process unfolds in stages:
- Initial Removal: The surgeon carefully removes a thin layer of visible cancerous tissue, along with a minimal margin of healthy-appearing skin around it.
- Microscopic Examination: This removed tissue is immediately taken to an on-site laboratory. The Mohs surgeon, who also acts as the pathologist, processes the tissue and examines it under a microscope. This examination maps the precise location of any remaining cancer cells.
- Targeted Removal (if necessary): If cancer cells are detected at the edges or deep margins of the removed tissue, the surgeon accurately pinpoints their location. Another very thin layer of only the affected area is then removed. This cycle of removal, microscopic examination, and precise mapping continues until no cancer cells are found, ensuring complete tumor eradication.
This methodical approach minimizes the removal of healthy skin, which is particularly beneficial for cancers located on cosmetically sensitive areas like the face.
Duration of a Mohs Procedure
Most Mohs surgery procedures are completed within a single day, as the surgeon works continuously until the site is clear of cancer. The duration of the procedure is directly influenced by the number of tissue layers or "sections" that need to be removed and examined.
| Number of Sections Removed | Estimated Procedure Duration |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 sections | Approximately 3 hours |
| 3 sections or more | 6 to 7 hours |
While the vast majority of cases are resolved in one session, it is rare but possible that the entire section of skin cancer might not be removed in a single day, potentially requiring a follow-up appointment. However, the ultimate goal is always to achieve complete cancer removal with the highest level of precision.
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
- High Cure Rates: Mohs surgery boasts impressive cure rates, especially for skin cancers that are recurrent or located in challenging areas.
- Tissue Preservation: It maximizes the preservation of healthy tissue, which contributes to smaller scars and improved cosmetic outcomes post-surgery.
- Precision: The real-time microscopic examination allows for unmatched precision in targeting and removing only cancerous cells.
The variability in the number of layers removed underscores the tailored nature of Mohs surgery, where each step is guided by the microscopic findings to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
